Benchmark II Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What practice is used to assess readiness for weaning from mechanical ventilation?
• The nurse plans care for the client who is scheduled to have outpatient surgery. What priority action should the nurse complete before the procedure to maximize safety in postoperative care?
• In acute asthma management, which statement about oxygen is correct?
• What perineal hygiene practice reduces infection risk in catheterized patients?
• Why is prone positioning used in ARDS?
• In AF with rapid ventricular response, what is a key consideration before cardioversion?
• Which statement differentiates COPD exacerbation from asthma exacerbation in mechanism and initial treatment?
• A client newly diagnosed with pancreatitis asks how they acquired this disease when they do not drink alcohol. Which of the following should the nurse mention as a potential risk factor?
• The case management nurse is participating in discharge planning after a prolonged hospitalization. Which home health professional would most directly coordinate community resources and referrals?
• Upon admission of a client with leukemia, which assessment findings would the nurse expect?
• The ED nurse assesses a client with abdominal pain. Which finding is most suggestive of appendicitis?
• Which dietary choice indicates teaching about GERD has been effective?
• Which statement best differentiates thyroid storm from myxedema coma?
• Which of the following is least associated with peptic ulcer disease?
• To reduce the risk of nephrotoxicity when a patient is receiving amphotericin, which instruction should be given?
• A patient receiving ondansetron for nausea develops chest tightness, back pain, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath. What adverse reaction is most likely occurring?
• A patient with an indwelling urinary catheter has a urinary tract infection. Which factor most contributed to the infection?
• Why are serial lactate measurements used in sepsis management?
• Which nursing intervention is essential to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia?
• Which allergy would contraindicate administration of alteplase in stroke treatment?
• In hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHNS), what differentiates it from DKA clinically?
• What are the initial priorities for a patient with suspected spinal cord injury in the first 24 hours?
• Which skin-care action should be avoided during radiation therapy?
• What are three priority nursing considerations for a patient with liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy?
• Which statement best differentiates STEMI from NSTEMI on ECG and biomarkers?
• When upper GI bleeding is suspected, what is an initial nursing priority?
• What percentage of the total alteplase dose is given as a bolus in the stroke protocol?
• How does hypokalemia affect conduction, and what are priority nursing actions?
• What is the most common cause of upper GI bleeding and the essential nursing priorities?
• Which diagnostic result helps confirm meningitis in the hospital setting?
• A patient weighing 144 pounds is to receive alteplase at 0.9 mg/kg with a 10% bolus and 90% over 1 hour. What is the initial bolus volume in milliliters if alteplase is supplied as 1 mg/mL?
• In acute pancreatitis, what is the primary nursing focus and typical management?
• During admission for peptic ulcer disease, which risk factor is recognized as possible reasons for the diagnosis?
• In a patient presenting with hematemesis from ulcer disease, what is the initial priority?
• A sacral wound has full-thickness skin loss with damage to the subcutaneous tissue but not fascia. How should this be documented?
• What are the signs of a GI perforation and the immediate nursing response?
• In ARDS management, what is the rationale for using low tidal volume ventilation?
• Which factor should be monitored in cancer patients to assess risk of complications during therapy?
• The ED nurse administers naloxone to a client who overdosed on oxycodone. Which adverse effect of naloxone is the nurse's priority concern?
• What is an essential nursing action when meningitis is suspected?
• The patient has bilateral lower-lobe pneumonia. Which position is best for postural drainage while maintaining optimal oxygenation?
• Which description accurately lists the four components of MONA used in initial ACS management and their purposes?
• What are the initial steps for hyperkalemia management?
• What is a fundamental nursing intervention to prevent pressure ulcers in immobile patients?
• Distinguish prerenal, intrinsic renal, and postrenal AKI etiologies and nursing implications.
• Which of the following is a key nursing management for suspected DVT in a cancer patient?
• What is an appropriate initial management step for a patient with suspected bowel obstruction?
• A patient with osteosarcoma in severe pain requires 4 mg IV morphine; available is 25 mg/mL. How many milliliters should be administered?
• Which actions help prevent nephrotoxicity in patients at risk for AKI?
• When educating a client with glaucoma about factors that can increase complications, which concept should be included in the instructions?
• What is the pathophysiology and nursing implications of hyponatremia in SIADH?
• A patient with a Stage 3 pressure injury to the coccyx is being discharged. Which home health provider would most directly address wound care and mobility?
• What is the immediate nursing action during a seizure?
• Which sign is most consistent with fluid overload in heart failure?
• In diabetic ketoacidosis, which electrolyte abnormality is common and how is it corrected?
• A lesion with features suspicious for melanoma requires biopsy and monthly mole mapping as part of management. Which diagnosis is most likely?
• During a gastric tube feeding, which finding is unexpected and requires further evaluation?
• What are essential nursing considerations for a patient with a colostomy or ileostomy?
• Which finding would most clearly disqualify a patient from kidney transplant listing?
• What are the signs of a transfusion reaction and the immediate nursing actions?
• Which finding best indicates improvement in congestive heart failure?
• During radioactive iodine therapy, which food should be avoided?
• In metabolic alkalosis with appropriate respiratory compensation, which ABG pattern is seen?
• The nurse provides discharge education for a client with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2. The client understands what dietary options to limit or avoid when they list which foods?
• What is the typical biomarker pattern in myocardial infarction?
• Which infection-control measure is appropriate for suspected meningitis?
• For a client with partial-thickness burns, which order should be administered first?
• If an order for IV furosemide is unclear, what should the nurse do?
• Which statement about monitoring electrolytes during diuretic therapy is correct?
• A postpartum client admitted to the postpartum unit after a C-section has an indwelling urinary catheter. What action is priority?
• Which practice best reduces CAUTI risk in catheterized patients?
• A wound with full-thickness tissue loss and exposed bone, muscle, or tendon is classified as which stage?
• A client with hydroxyurea is instructed on safety. Which statement demonstrates understanding of infection risk?
• A patient with heart failure on digoxin presents with blurred vision, nausea, and a digoxin level of 5 ng/mL. What action should be anticipated?
• Which statement correctly describes embolic stroke management and thrombolytic eligibility?
• During radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer, which dietary change should be avoided?
• Which finding indicates urinary retention requiring nursing management?
• How should you respond to suspected hypoglycemia in an awake patient who can swallow?
• A nurse from another unit asks why normal saline is not routinely used to suction a client with a tracheostomy. What rationale should the nurse include in the response?
• Which instruction is essential to ensure safe and effective use of inhaled budesonide for COPD?
• A urine drainage system is found on the floor near the bed with about 200 mL of dark yellow urine in the bag. What is the nurse's priority action?
• Which statement best describes the initial management for hospitalized pneumonia?
• Before administering intravenous push furosemide, which laboratory value should be reviewed?
• Telemetry monitoring shows a rapid, irregular rhythm with no discernible P waves in a patient with dizziness and palpitations. What rhythm is this most consistent with?
• Which statement best describes Parkland formula usage for burn resuscitation?
• For suspected acute ischemic stroke, what nursing actions are part of the evaluation for thrombolysis eligibility?
• A client with a spinal cord injury at the T5-T6 level presents with autonomic dysreflexia. What should be the nurse's first action?
• Which intervention reduces the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia by clearing secretions above the endotracheal cuff?
• The nurse discussed the wishes of end-of-life with a terminal ill client. What does the nurse know to be qualities of a good death?
• Which infection-prevention approach is indicated for neutropenic patients?
• Which nursing assessment is most important for a patient with chronic liver disease?
• Which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly associated with loop diuretics?
• In the initial management of burn injuries, which intravenous fluid is commonly used for resuscitation?
• In a code situation where a patient has a Living Will that states No CPR, when should CPR be stopped?
• What metabolic consequence is most associated with sepsis and tissue hypoperfusion?
• A client admitted with fluid volume deficit has crackles during inspiration and +2 edema. Which action should the nurse take first?
• Which PPE should the nurse gather to change the dressing and irrigate a wound infected with MRSA?
• In a client recovering from an MI, which finding would be concerning and must be reported to the healthcare provider?
• Which recently administered medication is most likely to cause hypokalemia in a patient with new-onset arrhythmia?
• What is a best practice to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia?
• What infection control measure is essential when meningitis is suspected?
• Which action is essential when preparing to assess a wound on a surgical patient with a clean wound?
• Which dietary choice indicates understanding of discharge instructions for a patient with a partial intestinal obstruction?
• A 71-year-old client after right total hip arthroplasty reports pain 7/10 but does not want hydrocodone. Which nurse statement is most appropriate?
• To reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), which practice is essential?
• Which lab test is used to monitor warfarin therapy?
• What are the key nursing strategies to prevent DVT and PE in hospitalized patients?
• Which statement by a nurse indicates understanding of endocrine disorders?
• In ACS management, what is the role of oxygen?
• Which nursing action helps reduce bleeding risk in a patient with coagulopathy due to liver disease?
• Which symptom best suggests ulcerative colitis rather than Crohn's disease?
• A client taking etanercept for rheumatoid arthritis presents with fever, elevated WBC, and tachycardia. These findings are most concerning for which complication?
• The nurse provides teaching to a client with conjunctivitis. Which statement by the client causes the most concern?
• Which of the following is necessary to be eligible for implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter after prostate cancer treatment?
• Which symptom should prompt evaluation for a urinary tract infection in a patient with a urinary catheter?
• According to the facility drug reference, amphotericin deoxycholate should be infused over how many hours?
• Which practice is inappropriate during radiation therapy to prevent skin damage?
• Which teaching is appropriate for a client with a new ostomy?
• If BNP level decreases after treatment for heart failure, what does this most likely indicate?
• Which electrolyte disturbance is most commonly associated with loop diuretics?
• A client on phenytoin therapy experiences which symptom requiring immediate evaluation?
• In a patient with hypertensive emergency presenting with severe headache, what is the first action the nurse should take?
• A client weighing 198 lbs on day 2 of amphotericin deoxycholate therapy is due for a dose on 6/3. Based on a dose range of 0.25-1.5 mg/kg/day, which mg amount is appropriate for 6/3 given the standard protocol described?
• A patient presents with a suspicious pigmented lesion. Which actions are appropriate in management?
• A client newly prescribed phenytoin reports side effects. Which symptom is most appropriate to include in education?
• 7/11 client being discharged after 3-week COVID pneumonia admission. The case management nurse is participating in discharging home after a 3-week hospital stay secondary to COVID pneumonia. Which home health referrals are appropriate?
• Which is a major care element for a patient on mechanical ventilation?
• A client returns to the nursing unit after completing hemodialysis. A fever of 39°C is noted. What action should the nurse take first?
• Which sign would most indicate a wound infection in a patient with a recent stage 3 pressure injury?
• Which professional would address nutritional intake to improve energy in a patient being discharged after a COVID-19 illness?
• Discharge education after gastric bypass should emphasize recognizing which potential nutrient deficiency?
• For meningitis, what is the recommended head-of-bed position to reduce intracranial pressure?
• How does hyperkalemia affect cardiac conduction on ECG?
• The nurse instructs a newly hired nurse on frequent sources of hospital acquired infections. Which staff behaviors should the nurse discuss to increase the risk of hospital-acquired infections?
• What are the priorities for a patient with acute kidney injury?
• Which statement best describes the signs of right-sided heart failure?
• What are common electrolyte disturbances in liver disease and their nursing implications?
• Which approach is best when caring for a delirious patient with liver disease?
• In COPD exacerbation management, what is the target SpO2 when administering oxygen?
• What are the signs of adrenal crisis and the emergent management steps?
• Which history information could have contributed to respiratory acidosis?
• During discharge planning for heart failure, which instruction is essential?
• In suspected hypovolemia, which action is a priority?
• Neutropenic fever is fever in an immunocompromised patient and is managed by:
• What is a primary treatment to reduce ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy?
• A patient with end-stage liver disease and cirrhosis becomes combative, pulls out the IV and bleeds. What action should the nurse take first?
• A 70-year-old admitted with rectal bleeding, a change in bowel pattern, and abdominal pain, with history of obesity and alcohol use, is being evaluated. The nurse prepares for the client to begin treatment for which gastrointestinal disorder?
• Which set of signs and nursing actions best describes left-sided heart failure?
• Which of the following best reflects the typical signs of shock and the initial nursing actions to stabilize the patient?
• Which laboratory value is most strongly associated with congestive heart failure?
• Oncology unit staffing, which patient should be assigned to a nurse from another unit?
• How is ARDS typically managed in the ICU?
• Which finding would delay or prevent a client on hemodialysis from being added to the kidney transplant list?
• What is the purpose of a temporary transvenous pacemaker and the key nursing considerations?
• Which of the following is a risk factor for the development of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?
• What is atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response and the initial management steps?
• During peritoneal dialysis, cloudy, milky dialysate usually indicates which issue?
• A client with full thickness burns over 18% of body surface area weighs 63 kg. Using the Parkland formula (4 mL/kg/%TBSA), what is the total fluid requirement for the first 24 hours?
• When documenting a Stage III pressure injury, which tissue layer is involved?
• During an admission assessment, which action is most important for the nurse to perform?
• What are the signs of an anaphylactic reaction and immediate nursing actions?
• In suspected bacterial meningitis, which antibiotic is commonly given?
• In thyroid storm, which initial interventions are indicated?
• Which intervention is essential in malignant hyperthermia during anesthesia?
• In a patient with suspected chronic rejection after kidney transplant, which parameters should be monitored?
• What is essential to maintain a closed drainage system for a urinary catheter?
• During radioactive iodine therapy, which precaution should family members observe?
• A client recovering from an acute myocardial infarction two days ago reports weakness and fatigue. Which finding is expected in this phase?
• What are the hallmark hemodynamic findings in cardiogenic shock?
• In metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation, which ABG pattern is expected?
• A client with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy; which teaching is appropriate to minimize integumentary side effects?
• Which lab test is most appropriate to monitor the effect of heparin therapy?
• In cancer patients, which are key considerations for managing pain and infection?
• Which factor is most likely to cause a fever in a patient with a urinary catheter?
• A caregiver of a person with dementia uses breaks and time-outs. What outcome is associated with this coping strategy?
• Which statement best describes why urinary output is monitored after catheterization?
• Which sign is most indicative of malignant hyperthermia during anesthesia?
• An outreach education session on preventing traumatic brain injury is planned. At which location should the nurse prioritize the teaching?
• Which laboratory finding is commonly associated with chronic liver disease and has nursing implications?
• Besides alcohol use, which condition is listed as a risk factor for pancreatitis?
• What is the initial management of suspected sepsis in the ED?
• What is the weight in kilograms of a patient who weighs 144 pounds?
• The nurse prepares to teach a client about contact dermatitis. Which instruction is most important to relieve symptoms and prevent secondary skin infection?
• A caregiver of a client with dementia reports feeling stressed. Which statement demonstrates effective coping?
• In the management of hematemesis due to ulcer disease, which step is part of initial treatment?
• Which combination of findings best supports a diagnosis of congestive heart failure?
• Premedication with diphenhydramine before amphotericin deoxycholate is intended to prevent which adverse effect?
• In a patient with heart failure being monitored on telemetry, which finding is most concerning and requires follow-up?
• Pernicious anemia following bariatric surgery is most often due to deficiency of which vitamin?
• A client with a history of deep vein thrombosis presents with right-sided facial drooping, arm weakness, and slurred speech. Which diagnosis is most likely?
• Which statement demonstrates infection-control understanding for a patient on hydroxyurea therapy?
• Which factor increases a patient's risk of surgical complications?
• What is the critical time window for administering IV tPA in an acute ischemic stroke?
• In a postpartum client with a urinary catheter, what is the most important indicator of adequate renal function?
• What are common initial clinical features of pneumonia requiring hospital admission?